8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
1° Day Arrival at Catania airport, transfer to the hotel and check in. After a welcome drink at the hotel the group will enjoy a traditional dinner in a restaurant (fish menù)
2° Day - CATANIA
Full day dedicate to the visit of Catania, today second town of Sicily, settled by Greeks under the shadow of Mount Etna. Also if it preserves many archaeological evidences, nowadays it is famous for its black and white palaces built after the devastating earthquake that in 1693 destroyed the town till its foundations. Visit of the city centre (Unesco Heritage) and of its famous fish market.
Tasting of the traditional street food ( arancini and "tavola calda") and of the cannoli siciliani.
In the afternoon the group will continue the tour in the town.
In Catania there many interesting museums, first of all the "landing museum" about the landing of the allied forces in Sicily in 1943.
Opportunity to take part of a cooking class to discover the secrets of some Sicilian traditional dishes. During the walking tour in the morning you will buy at the fish market all what you need for dinner. In the late afternoon transfer to a private house for the cooking class and dinner.
3° Day - GIARDINI NAXOS - BAIA DI TAORMINA - TAORMINA
Departure to Giardini Naxos for a boat tour in the bay of Taormina including the small island called "isola bella". A drink will be served on board.
Back to Giardini Naxos for lunch. In the afternoon guided tour of Taormina the best known Sicilian town. Settled on a hill it offers a breathtaking and memorable view on the sea and on the volcano, and as soon as you arrive you will feel the magical, mythical atmosphere spread all around which has enchanted visitors from all over the world for years and years. Free time for a stroll in the medieval town.After dinner, back to the hotel in Catania.
4° DAY - GODFATHER TOUR
Departure to the Alcantara river that, originated on the Nebrodi mountains runs for about 50 km untill the Ionian sea. Located about 20 km from Taormina, the gorges are real canyons made of black lava walls up to 50 meters high, in the typical shape of a prism that the rocks have taken during the cooling process. Stop in a vinery for a lunch with local products and wine tasting.
In the afternoon tour of Savoca, a medieval village perched 300 meters above sea level famous for the crypt of the capuchin monastery in which are preserved and exhibited the mummies of some monks and wealthy people, and for being chosen as the set of the movie The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola. Continue to Forza d'Agrò, another medieval village famous thanks to Coppola's movie.
5° DAY - MOUNT ETNA
Excursion by jeep on mount Etna (Unesco Heritage since 2013). Driving along the roads that cut the lava flows occurred in the years, crossing the typical landscapes of the volcano, the tour will take you till ancient secondary craters, lava tunnels and ancient woods.
Lunch in a winery with local products and wine tasting .
On the way back to Catania we will stop in Acitrezza, the area where the volcano started its activity
6° DAY - SIRACUSA
Departure to Syracuse (Unesco world heritage), the richest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. Visit of the Archaeological Park (where are some of the major monuments of the Greek and Roman city) , and of Ortigia , a small island on which was settled the first city in the Greek era, today historic centre of Syracuse. Boat tour from the port of Siracusa, to see the town from the sea (light lunch on board). In the afternoon guided tour in Ortigia and free time.
Dinner and overnight in Catania
7° DAY - PIAZZA ARMERINA - VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE
Departure to Piazza Armerina for the guide tiur of the Roman Villa, rural residence, dated to the last years of the empire, that for the exceptional richness of architectural and decorative elements , in particular for its floor mosaics , is considered to be an important witness of Roman civilization and for this since 1997, is protected by UNESCO.
After lunch tour of the townon board of a small tourist train.
8 - DAY Breackfast and transfer to the airport.